April 2021

BandraBuzz creating community connect since 2010

April 2021 | Volume 12 Issue 4 | Published Monthly | www.bandrabuzz.com | To Advertise: Call 9820783686 or 9920299787 | 16 pages | Price: Rs. 5/-

Bandraites raise concerns over the construction of the Versova-Bandra Sea Link arm at Carter Road

Concerns have been raised by local citizens regarding the ongoing construction work of the connecting arm of the Versova-Bandra Sea Link (VBSL) project at Carter Road.

VBSL is an extension of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) in the north direction connecting South Mumbai to the western suburbs till Versova, Andheri (West).

The VBSL project is being carried out by the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation Limited (MSRDC) with a view to ease traffic congestion in western suburbs. As per information from the MSRDC, the total length of VBSL including connectors is 17.17 kilometres. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 6,993 crore and the project is scheduled to be completed by August 31, 2025.

The access road to the VBSL is being constructed starting from next to Otters Club at Carter Road serving as entry and exit points for vehicles. Asif Zakaria, Municipal Councillor, Ward no. 102, who wrote a letter dated February 2, 2021, to the MSRDC asking details about the plan, said, “I have proposed that a pedestrian underpass or overpass should be provid-

A pedestrian underpass/overpass has been proposed at Otters Club entry/exit of the Versova-Bandra Sealink ed otherwise pedestrians will have to wait endlessly at the proposed crossing at entry or exit point.”

Zakaria further added, “In the proposed plan, a roundabout circle is pro-

posed near Railway Colony at Carter Road, it appears that a part of the existing promenade will also be consumed for the same.

If this happens then the Carter Road promenade will again be dissected in two parts

and will deprive pedestrian access from either side.”

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BANDRA BUZZ | APRIL 2021

Learner’s Academy: A Home Away From Home for Students Established in the year 1983, Learner’s Academy has been instrumental in nurturing the future of students for more than three and a half decades. Furthermore, the school’s alumni include some of India’s most famous personalities from various walks of life. Currently spearheaded by trustee Mr. Sumeet Gupta and administrator Mrs. Shahin Somani, at the time of its conception Learner’s Academy was the first school in Bandra to adopt the I.C.S.E. module, and over the period of time, the school has constantly reinvented their teaching approach.

The management consists of an experienced yet robust teaching faculty, which in turn influences the fundamentals of their approach, which is Activity & Application-based Learning. For instance, through “Educational Robotics” which includes the development of apps through “coding”.

Another interesting stream is the ‘Stem Education’ route, ‘STEM’ is an interdisciplinary approach to learning, wherewith academic concepts are integrated with real-world lessons. Students are guided to effectively apply science, technology, canons of engineering and mathematics in a context that bridged the gap between the classroom and the real – world. Amongst the various tools utilised for ‘STEM’ education, the school’s 3D printer & pen exercises are something that all students eagerly await to experiment and explore.

Their co-scholastic subjects are also a testament of the prudence with which Learner’s Academy synthesises education. The importance given to activities such as Vedic Maths, Yoga, Speech & Drama, Counselling, Purposeful Pursuits, Music & Dance activities, which is taken care of by the school during school hours by their young and dedicated team co-ordinated by deputy administrator Ms. Yashica Patel. Such exercises, indeed reflect the unison of the school’s revered legacy and the constantly evolving needs of a student’s mind-space.

Amongst the multiple co-scholastic activi-

Learner's Academy was the first school in Bandra to adopt I.C.S.E. at the time of its conception (NB The images were shot Pre-Covid) ties that they offer, the Vedic Math section is truly pathbreaking, yet deeply ingrained with India’s fecund past. Through the application of Vedic Math methods, problems or huge sums can often be solved immediately and with ease. This parallel approach challenges the child’s mind to function in adherence to the concept of ‘Lateral Thinking’ and inculcates the value of adopting.

The effectiveness of their teaching and its resonance amongst the students is gauged through the application of ‘Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation – C.C.E’. The school also encourages its students to participate in various competitive examinations such as Neltas for English competency and Ignited Minds for Math competency.

Admissions for the current academic year, i.e, 2021 – 2022 has begun & school activities commence in the month of April.

The management encourages & facilitates subjects based on the choice of the chil-

Bandraites raise concerns over the construction of the Versova-Bandra Sea Link arm at Carter Road Continued from Page 1 >> In response to Zakaria’s letter, MSRDC issued a letter dated February 4, 2021 stating, “The gabion access road serves as a medium to carry heavy machinery, labour and material to the ongoing construction work of the VBSL in the sea. This road is temporary and will be removed once the project is completed in the sea.”

MSRDC further stated, “The access road is temporary therefore any adverse impact on the environment is without

any basis and reason. The local fishermen community has been apprised about the VBSL project work from time to time since 2011 onwards. While executing the VBSL project, MSRDC has ensured that work will be in full compliance with approvals and permissions obtained for the project and there is no illegal activity on the site.”

Zakaria has requested the MSRDC to arrange a joint site visit with the MSRDC and BMC officials to explain the plan and have a public hearing on the matter.

dren, they offer French which is headed by their young principal Ms. Jessica Sequeira as an alternative language programme and also motivate them to engage in sporting activities. True to their drive to make the school a home away from home for their students; Learner’s Academy is without a doubt an institution that not only cares for

the academic welfare of their students but also safeguards their holistic growth.

Learner’s Academy, Mangal Aarti, St. Andrews Road, Bandra West, Mumbai 400050 Telephone: +91-8657172731 Email: learners.academy@rediffmail.com Website: www.learnersacademy.in

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BANDRA BUZZ | APRIL 2021

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NEWS

Over 4,000 tetrapods rocks to be installed at Bandstand promenade to protect it from erosion

Over 4,000 tetrapods will be installed by Maharashtra Maritime Board in the next six months at Bandstand Promenade To prevent the Bandstand promenade from getting damaged due to the high tide of the sea, Maharashtra Maritime Board will be installing over 4,000 tetrapods.

A senior official of Maharashtra Maritime Board, on the request of anonymity, said, “We are placing these tetrapods on request from the Bandra Bandstand Residents Trust (BBRT) to reduce the pressure of the tide and protect the Bandstand promenade. These tetrapods will be placed from the central garden at Bandstand to the Bandra Fort amphitheatre covering a

distance of 350 metres.”

The tetrapod structures similar to what can be seen at Worli Sea Face are being brought from Haji Ali through a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative between Maharashtra Maritime Board and Larsen and Toubro Limited (L&T). Benedict Soares, Trustee of Bandra Bandstand Residents Trust, said, “During high tide, sea waves damage the Bandstand promenade structure. Placing tetrapods is a feasible way to reduce the pressure of the tide and safeguard the promenade.”

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The tetrapods will be placed from the central garden to Bandra Fort amphitheatre covering a distance of 350 metres to prevent the Bandstand promenade from getting damaged due to the high tide of the sea.

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This project is funded by Maharashtra Maritime Board and is expected to be completed in the next six months. Ashish Shelar, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Bandra West, said, “We are planning to paint the tetrapod stone structures in different colours to make it look attractive. The project is slated to complete in the next six months but we are pushing to complete it in the next three months.”

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BANDRA BUZZ | APRIL 2021

Welcome to the Shoe Paradise of Bandra Good shoes take you to good places. What do you think? They say “Shoes speak louder than words.” Wear a pair of sneakers on your chic-looking imported formal suit and hear them shout: “We don’t belong here”. It couldn’t get any worse, can it?

On an idle Sunday afternoon, when I passed by a hip and happening street with my two happy-go-lucky feet, they exclaimed: “Let’s rescue these pair of shoes trapped in that store”. As I walked ahead, my eyes relished the sight of those colourful shoe stalls and my feet kept jumping in excitement. Any guesses, where was I? Well, I happened to be in what’s called Shoe Paradise of Bandra - Linking Road a go-to-market for the shoeaholics for all Mumbaikars.

Linking Road is most frequented by shopaholics and shoeaholics. This street needs no introduction as it caters to the old and young, hi-class and middle class, trend-lovers and trend-setters. But have you ever thought that when did this all start?

I bumped into Zubair who caught my attention by narrating the story of “The making of this Shoe Paradise”. It all started back in 1965 when Linking Road was obscure. Back then, few visionaries who had set-up their shoe shops on Linking visualised the Linking Road of today that is glistening and gleaming with the line-up of colourful street shops and high-end de-

It all started back in 1965 when Linking Road was obscure. Back then, few visionaries who had set-up their shoe shops on Linking visualised the Linking Road of today that is glistening and gleaming with the line-up of colourful street shops and high-end designer stores.

Shoe Paradise of Bandra - Linking Road - a go-to-market for the shoeaholics for all Mumbaikars (Image was shot Pre-Covid) signer stores. Zubair, a proud owner of a men’s shoe store, confidently pointed, with a smile on his face, that though they’ve faced huge losses during lockdown still he is optimistic about the future as he believes that no other shopping street can overtake the stature of Linking Road as a preferred destination for shoeaholics. No other market can beat the designs, patterns, varieties that Linking Road can offer and to top it up it doesn’t burn holes in your pocket.

While I was interacting with Zubair, a bunch of college pals showed up at his shoe stall. They asked for 10 pairs of similar-looking sneakers as they wanted to look alike at a party. I struck a conversation with those blokes to understand what made them come here? Not to my surprise, they mentioned “Linking is the place for them as they love to look chic and trendy by wearing new designs, be it clothes or shoes. No doubt it’s pocket-friendly but

what makes Linking more luring is the fact that the trends keep on changing every week and they don’t need to break the bank to look cool.” Feeling nostalgic? I guess most of us used to think the same in our happy-old college days, isn’t it?

When one gets the best of both worlds on Linking then how can one miss those glimmering hi-end designer shoe stores.

While I was strolling around making my way through the crowd of shoppers, suddenly a voice hit me hard - “Look there, those lovely boots belong to me. Let’s get them.” - my adorable feet screamed out pointing at the window display of a store named ShoeBiz. ShoeBiz is famed for designing customised boots, Yes, you heard it right. It’s what you want and how you want - you’re your shoe designer.

Those sassy boots of varied colours and styles were so inviting and they lured me to walk in the store to be greeted by a

big infectious smile. That smile belonged to Iqbal, the store manager. While Iqbal was assisting me in finding the perfect boot for my “screaming” feet, he opened up to reveal a few interesting facts. Inaugurated in 1985, ShoeBiz brought relief to those who craved just boots. What do you want - cowboy boots, rain boots, kneehigh boots? What’s your range - expensive or economical? What’s the occasion - wedding, party, trekking or just want to flash your million dollars look? You’ve got it all covered in ShoeBiz. Now, I realize why’s Linking is nicknamed “Shoe Paradise of Bandra”. When shoeaholics are spoilt for choice on Linking, there’s no turning around for them.

So, it’s time for us to see you off now and let you “Treat your feet”.

Jasmine Keshwani Pic by: Sharell Cook

BANDRA BUZZ | APRIL 2021

NEWS

05

Tête-à-tête with Watchman over their working & living conditions A job that is male-dominated because we need strong muscular men to guard our homes have strong emotional men who need to fulfil their needs. They wake up at dawn just like us but in a very opposing environment. We all have to do a job & earn a living but not all jobs are treated equally in our society. Our society is sullied by caste & class issues which are responsible for this imbalance.

Rahul works near Almeida park, a 27-yearold from UP, he has been working for 7 years since he moved to the city of dreams to fulfil his needs. He wants to build a proper cement structure house on of the main roads in his village & wants good schooling for his son & daughter, he wants to make them study in the city for few years because the ‘city education’ is much more valuable, because the school system in his village is not efficient. His current grievances are that he isn’t earning enough to support his family, his salary also doesn’t get an increment. While he does his routine, he & many like him have been used to a certain way of life due to how our society runs, it is not a good way of life, for anyone.

He has one square room, on the terrace, to make his food with a stove, which felt like a privileged one has in a city like Mumbai, that is barely three-metre by two metres & is coincidently or not is the same room in which the elevator machine is!

A washroom is available which is not in the best condition, not complaining about Rahul’s job but pointing out how a building/society neglects its ‘employees’ work environment & casteism is one of the main factors responsible. Such a basic necessity, “is not available for some watchmen in Mahim”, Rahul told me.

Shankar Gupta is also from UP, he is 37 years old & has been doing this job for the past 10 years & like Rahul, he also has to take care of his home back in the village & school his children. He cooks his food

Rahul has one square room to make his food with a stove which happens to be the elevator machine room but is not lucky like Rahul to even have a square quarter to settle in. He also has the grievance as Rahul about not getting an increment. Call it better or not his washroom was Western! But in the same wornout state as Rahul’s. He calls everything ‘theirs’, as in the society, from the chair he sits on to the water he drinks, he cannot complain because “he has to earn in life”.

Meet Abhay Raj Yadav, 37, working near Silver Beach Café who cooks his food on wood & has a mini-cabin to settle. When asked why did he come to work here, the answer was very simple “we don’t have jobs in our village/town”. He says his washroom facility is alright, and also has the same responsibilities.

Babu Yadav, 24 who works near the cusp of Bandra & Khar does day duty there & night duty in my building, this dual job system is pretty common in Mumbai, many do this to make ends meet. He cooks his food on

a small gas stove in a small cabin! He has been doing this for 25 years & wants to make a house back home & wants to school his kids, 1 son & 2 daughters and has similar toilet conditions like other watchmen.

Neel Yadav who works near the Indian Oil petrol pump, was very hesitant to give the interview since he was scared that the other watchmen would snoop on him to the building secretary & thus be bad for him.

His toilet facility is alright & gets homecooked food each day, he has his rent to pay therefore the fear of losing his job made him very anxious. He also told me “we cannot speak up because we are poor people & will face repercussions.”

The common thread I see here is the behaviour of the residents, most of which was fine as the watchmen told me but I feel they have never asked or wondered why some things are the way they are. Their caste was also the same, has a major role

in their current state, it could also be the education system that failed them too.

I asked all of them a hypothetical question about a policy/law that I had in mind. The policy/law is that ‘every watchman appointed by a building has to employ them for a fixed period, example 5-10 years, & in that duration has to provide them with a flat in the same building so that they can live a decent life like others & their family & kids have a better shot at life.’ All of them agreed, I know this might sound very optimistic or hopeful but there is always hope.

How do we expect them to move ‘up’ in life? When the system itself is flawed, we need empathy to be kind to them, help them in any ways possible & be nice to our watchers. I know we do not have the capabilities or the power to change this flawed system but we can at least start from ourselves be human to our fellow men.

Aamir Gazi

BandraBuzz CREATING COMMUNITY CONNECT

We are a local newspaper looking for experienced & interns journalists to join our team in a freelance capacity If you are a local journalist with a strong knowledge of Bandra & Khar, an interest in community news & lots of ideas for stories that you think will appeal to our readers, please drop us a line at news@bandrabuzz.com today!

06

NEWS

BANDRA BUZZ | APRIL 2021

‘5R’Cycle Foundation A Step Closer Towards Greener Earth India is the second most populated country in the world & generates a soaring amount of waste globally, which is going to increase substantially in upcoming years if proper measures are not taken. It also faces major environmental challenges due to nationwide waste generation, improper disposal & lack of its treatment.

Smita Birkar a plastic engineer by profession started ‘5RCycle’ foundation as she noticed waste wasn’t segregated at source, which leading to enormous amount going to landfills instead of being recycled or composted. Having a fair amount of experience & education in the plastic industry she thought of repaying society by establishing this foundation with a motive to create awareness about proper waste management.

‘5R’Cycle is a non-profit organization to promote zero waste management from the current linear economy to a circular economy. According to 5R’s four actions should be taken, if possible, before Recycling: Reuse, Reduce, Reuse & Repurpose.

Their vision is to promote the environment, wildlife & marine conversation.

The 5RCycle has 2 verticals - one to create awareness about waste segregation as wet & dry waste & the second being infrastructure - a platform to channelize & navigate waste so that it can be converted into energy, fuel or recycled products.

This foundation differs from others as Smita works passionately & due to her past experiences she has an up hand to educate people about the disposal of ceramics, wood, electric waste & even sanitary napkins etc.

The 5RCycle foundation organizes collection drives where dry solid waste is collected like newspapers, plastic wrappers, footwear, e-commerce plastic wrapping, plastic wrappers & containers, electronic waste, Tetra Pak etc. It also collects clothes in good condition which are not trash as they work with other NGOs too so it can reach the needy. The collection drive

is held at YMCA Bandra every alternate weekend, followed by one in Juhu.

Smita says, “I have been spreading awareness about our collection drives through word of mouth & social media & webinars too. I carry various recycled products with me at the drive to give people an overview of what can be done. 600 kg waste diverted from Bandra with help of 7 collection drive at Bandra YMCA & I would like to thank Bandra YMCA, Mr Jinson, Mr Kiran and Mrs Kavita Mukhi for supporting this initiative. Our landfills are getting exhausted which makes it necessary to recycle. We also collect used

cooking oil as it has tremendous health hazards, it can be converted into biodiesel.

The cooking oil can be donated by storing in proper containers.”

Smita faces many challenges as resistance to change, as people don’t want to segregate waste, as it’s not in the public eye so it doesn’t matter & huge logistics cost involved & informal chain which uses high use plastic & dispose of low value one.

Waste if not handled properly tend to release methane gas, which is explosive & contributes to the greenhouse effect. The burning of disposed waste & plastic materials result in air pollution. Recycling can decrease the level of waste we send to landfills & save cost on waste collection & waste management thus reducing the negative environmental impact.

5RCycle foundation makes quite a lot of recycled products like upside planters from Maggi wrappers, Tetra Pak pencil stand and plans to create awareness about reducing the use of single-use plastic and replacing it with useful alternatives.

Smita pledges people to become dry waste donors and also help her cause by financially supported her at http://5rcycle. org/donate or call +91 9321625713.

So let’s come together for greener Earth and implement zero waste management.

Aafreen Chouhan

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BANDRA BUZZ | APRIL 2021

NEWS

07

I am a Cancer Warrior!!

Cancer is a journey, but you have to walk the road alone. It’s about identifying your inner strength and your willingness to take on the challenge. We talk to two survivors who embarked on this journey and came out stronger…

Maya Lalchandani Bandra-based business author, journalist, travel and lifestyle blogger, and influencer Maya Lalchandani creates magic through her writing, weaving words beautifully to touch millions of hearts. Having lead her family magazine – The Sindhian from 2004 to 2015, Maya says, “One day, I was informed by my masseuse that I have a lump in my breast. There wasn’t much awareness back then. I took my own sweet time thinking it would be nothing.

But when I did visit my gynaecologist - Dr Duru Shah, she promptly admitted me into Breach Candy Hospital for a biopsy and had an oncologist on standby. Of course, it was cancer! In disbelief I looked at all the tubes coming out of me, noting that the lymph nodes were taken off too, to avoid the spread. But the good news was that it wasn’t lethal and breast cancer could be cured if caught on time, all factors considered of course.”

Maya had great family support getting through the malady, but being a type-A personality, work has been both her priority and source of stress, and life has not made it easy for her either.

Calling cancer a life changer she adds, “My chemotherapy began soon after, but I continued to work through it. I was vulnerable on some days as nausea plagued me.

I chose the leading oncologist, Dr Suresh Advani, as my doctor with dual intentions - he leads Jaslok Hospital and was the best, and I wanted to interview him for my magazine, which I coaxed him into! I also got him to allow me to travel to London for work in between my chemotherapy cycles.

A funny incident that comes to mind is one where I was having lunch with a friend after my second chemo session. As I ran my hand through my hair, I encountered a clump of it that just came off in my hand!

Embarrassed no doubt, I realized that I was ready for the next step. Disheartened as I was, I drove straight to the salon, got myself a pedicure while they shaved off my hair. Bold I had always been but this was dramatic even for me, as I faced my family on reaching home. My kids just said, ‘You could have just warned us, mom!’ People think cancer is the end of the world but the sooner we accept it the better. I learned to live with it, without taking anything too seriously.”

While going through her radiation treatment, Maya even took on a job at Frazer & Haws, a silver boutique - managing their PR since she had taken a break from her magazine. “I went to work every day after my radiation session at Hinduja, wearing my skull cap, facing the world with my kajal laden eyes, absolutely self-confident and I must say it was liberating as hell!”

“I got cancer, cancer didn’t get me,” she remarks vehemently. And after beating cancer Maya continued to work remarkably well. When she gave up working at the family magazine in 2015, Penguin commissioned her to write a book for them and that’s how Paiso: How Sindhis Do Business came out in 2017. Now, as a business author - she is writing her second book, as a journalist – she is contributing to eShe magazine, as an influencer – she runs her website www.mayaspeak.com, and nothing stops her from being a solo woman traveller.

She has some words of advice for other survivors - “Sure it changes people lives, I carried cancer genes and it was my stressful life that triggered it. Every February 4, I remind myself that I’m a warrior and do what is possible. Nobody should victimize himself or herself. My work has been my biggest support and I’m forever grateful to be marching on!”

Manali Jagtap Ace celebrity fashion designer Manali Jagtap well received in the fashion industry for her chic ensembles and happy go lucky charisma. Being on top of her game juggling between shoots and lined up shows remained unaware of what was coming next. Manali said, “I had PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) for 9-10 years accompanied with irregular periods, soon a cyst was diagnosed by the gynaecologist in April 2018 over my uterus which was painful and made it difficult when I travelled abroad for work. I had undergone surgery, the fibroid was sent for regular biopsy and cancer was detected! The doctors comforted me that it is quite common these days and young girls get it too. I was diagnosed

with what is clinically known as Endometrial stromal sarcoma”.

Recalling her initial cancer memories, she said, “Every day was a surprise sometimes the pain and discomfort is less and vice versa but what hits you hard is when your physical appearance changes, you

tend to lose hair, eyebrows and eyelashes too. Chemotherapy comes with baldness but it makes you strong emotionally. It was destiny, I woke up looking forward to better days. I underwent 12 cycles of chemotherapy with great support from family and crazy friends which I am so grateful for”.

During her treatment, she never stopped working as her clients wanted to be styled by her which kept her going.

After her treatment, she says, “I was a lot stronger and back to the network of work and friends, physical transformation is slow but does happen”.

Manali has a piece of advice for fellow cancer patients, “Every cancer survivor has their cancer journey. Her strength being rock-solid family and friends. Half the battle is won when you have an amazing support group. Cancer is not a death sentence, be positive. We don’t complain when life is generous and don’t let cancer crush your spirit”.

Manali adopted a few lifestyle changes after beating cancer and loves her new life even more.

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APRIL 2021 | BANDRA BUZZ

NEW

How Green Was O Remembering Band

Golf clubs made by the boys of Danda village, hanging on a board in the Pali Hill Golf Club House

S

ome of us have heard stories from old Bandra residents, of a Golf Course that existed in the Chuim – Danda area, close to the sea.

At first, such a place seems a little too fantastic, perhaps even a little hard to believe, since all traces of this once important and grand landmark are now wiped out.

In the early 20th Century, there existed a 9-hole golf course known as “Danda Green” that straddled Pali (Hill), Danda, and Chuim, and what is now mostly a wasteland behind Union Park, close to Khar end of Carter Road.

It is now only identifiable as an empty plot of land that contains a junkyard inhabited by squatters and used as a fish-drying ground.

Chuim, (previously known as Chooee, and also Juvkem), was a village of Bandra before it was de-linked from Bandra and incorporated into Khar (just as Juhu, previously known as Juvem, was de-linked from Santa Cruz and given a separate entity). Hence though this land now lies in present-day Chuim and Danda (or Dandem as it was once known), it was once very much a part of Bandra.

Danda Green was also known as the “Pali Hill Golf Club”. The most definitive description of the Golf Course

and the surrounding area was published 115 years ago, in an article that appeared in “The Badminton Magazine”, issue dated August 1906. The author, a certain W. P. Pechey, in his article titled “An Indian Golf Links”, describes the areas as such: “Twelve miles north of Bombay, just across the creek which separates Bombay Island from the adjoining island of Salsette, lies the village of Bandra. Not many years ago Bandra was a collection of mud huts; now it has developed into an important suburb, with a service of fast trains to & from Bombay & it & its neighbouring village, Pali, are rapidly becoming covered with bungalows. Pali, or Pali Hill, as it is more commonly called, is, in the language of the guide book, a small eminence on the south-west corner of Salsette, charmingly situated amidst groves of palms & mangoes, bounded on the one side by the azure waters of the Arabian Sea & on the other by the low-lying rice fields where the patient ryot toils for his daily bread. Here, we may add to this effusion, a European community has settled & in due course, a golf link followed their arrival.”

Pechey talks about the Golf Course as being about forty acres in size, and the golf links being about

Danda Green was also known as the “Pali Hill Golf Clu 2200 yards long. The course had 9 holes, each having a name. There also was a rationale as to why some of the holes were named so.

These were: 1) Plas Greaves (named after a palatial building near the links, built by the club’s president as a country residence) 2) Casuarina (named after a tree) 3) Mango (named after a tree) 4) Hill-side 5) Punch Bowl 6) Cliff 7) Sethdavie (named after a village adjoining the links) 8) Danda (named after a village adjoining the links) 9) Rotten Row (named after the rough and stony ground next to the adjoining path, - the path which, interestingly, led to Versova)

In Pechey’s opinion, the last two holes were the worst in the course, and the best ones were the first, fifth and sixth.

The course also had two ponds, which were called tanks, and which were close to overflowing in the rains. The ground itself is described as being full of loose stones, and the golf club had “spent hundreds of rupees in labor” to get rid of these stones, but such efforts came to nothing. The putting greens were described as being more brown than green, because “grass greens were just not possible”.

Other descriptions of the golf course and Club talk about how golf balls cost two rupees and the course was surrounded by stone walls, cactus hedges, paddy fields, and even a graveyard! The clubhouse was described as small, and one that provided no luxuries. It was “not pucca built”, but made

from old railway wa by screws and nails Pechey also d perhaps the most of the course – the paid “an equivalent round of nine holes praises them by d being ones that did marked down the ba Interestingly of Danda village als which were bought Club, and hung on a house, for use by me the local skill and ta the area, over a cent In this book Chuim that is”, Fr. tells us that golf ce at Danda Green aro and after that, boys

WS

BANDRA BUZZ | APRIL 2021

Our Golf Course: dra’s “Danda Green”

View of Danda Green, with the Arabian Sea beyond

ub”, circa 1906

agons, held together s. described what was important element caddies. They were of 2 pence for each s” of the course. He describing them as d not talk much and all exceedingly well. enough, the boys so made golf clubs, by the Pali Hill Golf a board in the clubembers. This shows alent that existed in tury ago.

“Juvkem that was, . Milton Gonsalves eased to be played ound the year 1950, from Danda used it

as a ground to play hockey and cricket.

Today, the said area bears no resemblance to the grandeur of the past.

There is nothing “golf-course like” left about the former Danda Green. For most, it is where the fisherfolk dry their catch. In the heat of the summer, the distinct and strong smell of drying fish from these grounds wafts through the air, all the way up to the Avenues of Santa Cruz. The road around the now-wasteland itself is often avoided due to a combination of traffic bottlenecks, and the not-so-pleasant aroma (to some) of fish being dried.

And so, though the Golf Course is long gone, and as the area continues to changes every day, some still look back with fond memories of Bandra’s “Danda Green”.

Debasish Chakraverty Pics by: Philip Thornton

A golfer and his caddie. The Dandeshwar Temple is in the background.

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NEWS

BANDRA BUZZ | APRIL 2021

Women’s CrossFit Championship 2021

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Women’s CrossFit Championship at St Joseph Turf Park CrossFit is a high-intensity workout without intervals. It is a strength & conditioning workout that is made of functional movements performed at a high-intensity level. Western countries have more fitness freaks who follow CrossFit as part of their fitness regime & is also a sport there, hence many championships & tournaments are held but in India its scope is limited to gyms where members do it as a workout. Sameer wants to take CrossFit to the next level in India & give it the status of a sport just like Mixed Martial Arts, hence he organized the Women’s CrossFit Championship at St Joseph Turf Park in Bandra on March 28.

National level hockey & throwball players, sprinters, fitness freaks & athletes participated in the Women’s CrossFit championship. The exercises included box jumping, barbell squats 10kg and 5kg weight lifting sprint running.

Every exercise was done twice & the fastest on the clock was considered. A lot of females showed interest after watching Sameer’s video on YouTube & saw major benefits of doing CrossFit workouts, many got aware through pamphlet which was distributed. The event lasted for 3 hours & no registration fees were charged & cash prizes, certificates & trophies were distributed to support women’s spirit.

Saroj Shetty says, “I am a sprinter & throwball player so I participated in the event & won it too by completing the challenge in 3 minutes. It was conducted very well & such women-oriented challenges should be encouraged. ” Deepa Bhosale adds, “I am a working woman & a fitness freak, it was my first ever such competition & I tested my stamina. Every woman whether working wom-

en, housewife or professional athlete, all should participate in such a tournament, it’s a confidence booster.”

Pallavi Shellar the 1st Runner up says, “I am national level hockey player and it was great participating in the CrossFit championship and other women should participate too.”

Ramya Bhat a Zumba trainer says, “I came to known about my shortcomings.

I even took 4 of my fellow Zumba enthusiasts with me & Mugdha Pawar won 3rd prize. CrossFit is a quick & smart workout which makes you physically and mentally smart compared to traditional workout.”

Many Indian women aren’t in sports and the desire to get fit so CrossFit is a perfect fitness regime for women. Sameer would be arranging one such championship for both men & women in May and will allow only participants and will follow all necessary Covid-19 guidelines.

Sameer Shaikh says, “I am trying to get sponsors from women healthcare brands & 30% of the collection would go to women healthcare, studies & sports.

I hope CrossFit gets a sports status and many more such challenges should be held all over India. If all it happens it may even become part of the Olympics soon. I also have a YouTube channel Beat the Man where I challenge people to compete with me and if in case they beat me they get hampers.”

Sameer faces a lot of challenges like a lack of awareness about CrossFit in spite of doing in the gym. He plans to organize more such events and attract fitness enthusiast towards a more sustainable fitness journey a ticket to great health.

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ASK Teak - A One-Stop Shop for Authentic Burmese Teak Wood

ASK Teak offers authentic Burmese Teak wood for indoor and outdoor floorings, claddings and deckings With over 40 years of experience in the Asian timber industry, Burmese Teak specialist, ASK Teak, has expanded its services in India & aims to engage with homeowners & interior designers by providing end to end services for sustainable Teak Wood flooring & customised furniture requirements. For the Indian market, ASK Teak offers floorings, claddings, deckings, timber conversions, on-site installations & timber design consultations. From its furniture range, it offers in-house hand-carved classic Teak furniture & doors. You can also choose to customise your authentic Burmese Teak furniture to a wide selection of indoor & outdoor furniture with the #ASKTeakCreate initiative.

Burmese teak wood is synonymous with durability & is used to incorporate an

aura of opulence, furthermore, the specific wood’s mettle has been tested & proven over a period of time, given the fact that it is extensively used for building ship’s & boasts of high oil content which prevents the onset of termites & other adversaries.

An ideal choice for indoor & outdoor flooring, ASK Teak’s, Tongue & Groove (T&G) method of flooring installation is the perfect pick for smooth, uninterrupted wood flooring. The locking system of T&G enhances the stability & is fundamentally a method of fitting, as per the angular needs of the design & space, its joints allow two flat pieces to converge seamlessly. Another option available is the Parquet flooring type, the method used while the installation is compatible with intricate design execution. The patterns that can be achieved

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include geometric mosaics comprising squares, triangle & other modular shapes.

The utility of Burmese teak is not restrained indoors but is safe for outdoor spaces. The anti-slip flooring made of solid Burmese teak ridges is the perfect choice for alfresco dining decks, pool decks, trellises, walkways, arbours, patio & veranda.

The applied E4E teakwood boards are also the most preferred flooring choice for the mini-deck in a yacht & imbibe the space with an earthy & organic element. ASK Teak’s kiln drying process ensures that the properties of the wood are retained, through the course of the climatic cycle each year. Klin - dried Burmese flooring is treated to restrain termite & moisture.

Maintaining the surface entails timely vacuuming & polishing after 7-10 years.

Furthermore, ASK Teak’s flooring comes with a 10-year warranty, and the organisation also has a list of verified contractors to execute the project. The charm of a wood floor enhances the dynamics of one’s immediate surrounding, even incorporating it for a portion of the house, for instance, one’s balcony instils a sense of change and excitement. At ASK Teak the team is more than happy to ideate with the client as per their needs and budget, the cost for installing a Burmese teak flooring for a space of 100 square feet would cost starting from (approx) Rs 75,000.

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BANDRA BUZZ | APRIL 2021

Dealing with Toxicity Toxic people are an unfortunate side-effect of a society centred around self-gratification. If you happen to have read my article on bullying, you’ll know that toxic people are deeply insecure and look to get their self-esteem from the outside world. However, knowing that doesn’t stop you from feeling negative, miserable and unhappy after any dealings with such folk. The easiest solution, of course, is to cut toxic people out of your life. What happens, though, when they happen to be bosses, colleagues or relatives? Namely, people, you can’t walk away from, unless you want to have to rearrange your entire life. Here are a few simple steps to help you keep as much of your sanity and peace of mind as you can while dealing with them.

Limit your one on one interactions.

Toxic people are at their worst when you’re dealing with them solo, or in a group made up singularly of their friends. You want to make sure that there are enough neutral people to act as a buffer between you & their negativity. So say yes to that department party, and no to drinks with their office buddies.

Reveal as little as possible about yourself. They aren’t interested in your life anyway. The more you reveal, the more they have to ridicule or find fault. Don’t give them that ammo.

Toxic MIL: What names are you considering for the baby?

You: We’ve decided to wait until the child is born, and then see what suits him or her.

Leave a trail of evidence. Toxic people choose their victims based on who will keep silent about their bad behaviour. Your silence is their biggest strength. So, start talking. Detail to your friends how your inlaws are treating you. Keep your colleagues and/or boss’ boss cc’ed on all mails to your toxic boss. When your cousin threatens to destroy your laptop if you don’t lend it to them, let your folks know. Word of warning: Don’t expect people to go & fight for you. But the more you speak out, the more

power you take away from the person who is so harmful to your mental health.

Stop trying to be nice. We’re brought up to believe that if you’re nice, people are nice to you. Which leads us to bend over backwards to accommodate toxic folk.

When they retaliate with more nastiness, we assume it’s because we weren’t nice enough & so try harder. Just quit trying.

Their problem isn’t with what you’re doing or not doing. You can change your entire life around to suit them & they will still have issues with you. They voice their discontent merely to see how high they can make you jump. The more you change to

accommodate them, the higher they will raise the bar. Unless you want to spend the rest of your life catering to their whims, refuse their demands.

Do not - repeat, NOT - stoop to their level. Your friend’s toxic spouse makes a remark about how they can afford luxuries, unlike you. Even if you have the best retort on the tip of your tongue, do not utter it. Instead go with neutral platitudes like: How wonderful that you’re doing so well. Or ‘how great that must be for you two’. Do not insert yourself in. (I’m glad that you’re doing so well, is a no-no.) Rinse & repeat as necessary.

Be prepared. These are toxic people.

Wherever they are, there is going to be toxicity & negativity. Just because it is your wedding day/birth of your child/parent’s funeral doesn’t mean they will give you a free pass. The more important the event is to you, the harder they will work to destroy your peace of mind. Don’t invite such people unless you have to. But if you must, remember this & prepare accordingly.

Practising all this will not necessarily be easy. Toxic people hate to see their victims getaway. How will they get their self-esteem & joy, if they can no longer break you down? Remind yourself that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and continue following these tips. Soon they and their negativity will not affect your life!

Maryanne Pereira

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BANDRA BUZZ | APRIL 2021

Why should you relish Seasonal Mangoes?

We’re right in the middle of the summer and it’s time to relish those seasonal mangoes. We come across these common myths every year – “Will mangoes make me fat? “; “Will mangoes shoot my sugar levels high?”; “Will mangoes worsen my acne?” Well, it certainly will if you’re not eating it the right way.

Mangoes are often grown and seen in local markets of India during this time of the year due to the beauty and wisdom of nature. Mangoes are known to be summer fruit because they tend to have a cooling impact on the body. This is one strong reason as to why one must stick to eating local and seasonal produce always. Additionally, the nutritional profile of mangoes is so high that it can upscale our immune system and prepare our bodies for the upcoming monsoon.

Mango is often referred to as the king of fruits and offers a nutrition powerhouse by providing macronutrients, micronutrients as well polyphenols. Mangoes contains structural carbohydrates such as pectins and cellulose. The major amino acids include lysine, leucine, cysteine, valine, arginine, phenylalanine, and methionine (some of these are essential amino acids and would be available to the body only with dietary sources). The lipid composition increases during ripening, particularly the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are also essential fatty acids needed for the body. Some of the micronutrients include vitamin E, vitamin C, ß-carotene, potassium, Vitamin D, most B vitamins (excluding Vitamin B12). Polyphenols

Mango is often referred to as the king of fruits & offers a nutrition powerhouse by providing macronutrients, micronutrients as well polyphenols. Owing to their rich nutritional profile, mangoes exhibit anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, cardiotonic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory properties. found in mangoes include mangiferin, gallic acid, gallotannins, quercetin, isoquercetin, ellagic acid, and ß-glucogallin, lutein.

Mangoes also contain chlorophylls. Owing to their rich nutritional profile, mangoes exhibit anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, cardiotonic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory properties.

With the rich nutrient profile that the mangoes offer, here’s an overview of how it’s beneficial for certain conditions: Diabetes: Fibers & antioxidants in mangoes don’t let the blood sugar levels rise too quickly. Mangifera present in mangoes impacts in making insulin resistance better. Also, in comparison with other tropical fruits, mango consumption has demonstrated beneficial effects on postprandial glucose & insulin response in type 2 dia-

betes.

Weight management: Dietary fibre, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, & phenolic compounds found in mangoes aid in the reduction or prevention of obesity & its associated chronic inflammatory conditions.

Mangoes lower oxidative stress in the body. Mangiferin has the ability to loosen and remove fatty deposits from our liver.

Cancer: Mangoes are a rich source of immune-boosting vitamins & thus known to exhibit anticancer & tumour suppression properties. Antitumoral effects of mangiferin are seen in various cancer cell lines such as breast, lung, ovary, brain & cervix.

Gastric Health: Mango has non-digestible fibres which feed your good bacteria and improve gut health. Hence good for IBS, Crohns, ulcerative colitis as well. Mangoes are labelled as prebiotic because of their ability to feed good bacteria. Also, Mangoes stimulate digestive enzymes hence can be used as precursors to digestive enzymes.

Cardiac health: Potassium helps control the heart rate and blood pressure, which helps keep your heart healthy. Also, high amounts of soluble dietary fibre known as pectin can help lower cholesterol.

Anti-Ageing: Vitamin A and vitamin C present in mangoes play an essential role in the production of collagen which is a protein that is necessary for keeping the skin cells healthy. It helps protect the body’s connective tissues and the blood vessels, thereby enhancing the glow of the skin, triggering elasticity, and slowing down the natural ageing process.

Right ways to consume Mangoes: · Eat your fruit but do not drink it, meaning you can cut pieces of fruit and relish it mindfully but you need to avoid pulping (aamras) it on a regular basis as that can lead to breakage of fibres. · Always combine mangoes with a handful of soaked nuts so as to avoid a spike

in blood sugar levels and also to make the entire meal more nutritionally balanced.

If you’re diabetic, you can also sprinkle about ¼ tsp of Sri Lankan rolled cinnamon powder over it for further managing sugar levels better. · Avoid eating mangoes with your main meals, it’s best to consume it as a separate meal for better absorption and reducing the carbohydrates overload of the main meals. · Like any other fruit, avoid consuming mangoes post-sunset. · Despite the nutritional powerhouse, be mindful of your portions, 1-2 should be okay per day, however, you need to first check with your health practitioner once before adding it to your daily meals. · Avoid mixing sugar to mangoes / aamras, if needed you can use jaggery to sweeten it. · Always wash and soak Mangoes for 2-4 hours in water before consuming them.

While we understand all the health benefits of ripe mango, we should not neglect the fact that even raw mangoes are equally nutritionally rich & offer an array of benefits. While picking up your mangoes, always prefer organic or the ones grown in your known farms because these days they’re heavily sprayed with carbide and we certainly don’t want to add any extra chemical to the body which can affect the body negatively in the long run.

In closing, there is so much in a mango that we can blindly trust the goodness of nature & everything that grows & is a part of it. We mustn’t be scared of anything that’s available to us from nature. We rather be worried about all those foods made in plants, chemicals sprayed on the fruits, sedentary lifestyle, poor sleep schedule, enormous stress levels, popping so many medications every single day but certainly not about this seasonal fruit available to us. You need to keep your medical practitioner in the loop before your plan to restart consuming these on a regular basis.

Luke Coutinho

BANDRA BUZZ | APRIL 2021

REMEMBRANCE

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Remembering Evarist Francis Pereira on his Month’s Mind April 7, 2021 My earliest memories of Evarist were in Muscat & I was about 6-7 years old. When we were on school holidays, before leaving to work, Evarist would write a question each for my brother & I, on a yellow postit note & it was a question from a ‘Tell Me Why’ book.

I would spend the morning looking for the answer in one of the five ‘Tell me Why’ books that he had bought for my brother & I. My sister was still a baby. I remember our apartment being filled with books from Evarist; the entire series of 24 books of the adventures of Noddy, Aesop’s Fables & so many others.

When I was speaking with a friend & an executive career coach, she had asked me about some of my earliest influences & right up to that point, I had not given it much thought & it came to me; Evarist & the Tell Me Why questions. I remember telling him about the conversation when we spoke next & I could hear him beaming over the phone (Evarist disliked video calls) & he said his work was done & at least somebody had benefitted from him sharing his knowledge.

To this date & even more during the last year of lockdown, anxiety, frayed nerves & so on, Evarist & I would speak regularly about almost anything ranging from his love for the arts & his knowledge of religion to politics & my recently acquired interest in philosophy. Evarist

told me about every virtual tour he found that was made available by the museums & theaters in New York & I smiled at the sheer happiness in his voice from being able to experience it all from the comfort of his home. Evarist was a man of simple wants & needs & he had a way of transporting himself to another world through his memories (razor sharp I add) & imagination.

Whenever I went back to Mumbai, my mum knew that my first port of call was 42 Ranwar & to see Evarist.

Sometimes it was with a bottle of wine & he would laugh, bring some glasses & we would chat away as if continuing a conversation from when we met a week ago.

I will truly miss him.

Life is a journey on which we sometimes meet souls that are in sync with ours. At times, we meet them early in life and at other times, we meet along the way.

I met Evarist through family ties & he turned out to be someone who will live on forever in my heart because of who he was & the many rare qualities he possessed.

My daughters & I fondly referred to him as “Evru,” a nickname I think he was aware of & amused. He was a man of few needs & wants, but he was always willing to go that extra mile to help people by giving them valuable advice.

He was knowledgeable about most topics, and if you thought you were one up on him, well, you were only fooling yourself.

A keen and constant learner, he became computer savvy and gained knowledge on Adobe, including PageMaker. He also enjoyed the latest technology, especially WhatsApp, which he used to share videos and quotes that he liked.

Evarist was passionate about reading as well as his stamp collection. He would proudly bring out his treasure trove and explain in detail if you showed even the slightest bit of interest in any topic.

Another of his passions was making the famous East Indian masala with his signature “epee” label. The chocolates he made during Easter and Christmas came neatly packaged and beautifully labelled with his clip art.

Evarist’s generosity knew no bounds. He was always willing to share recipes & any new YouTube clip or serial that he enjoyed. I have yet to watch “The Chosen,” which he frequently asked me to see.

A jolly traveller, albeit only by the local buses & trains recently, Evarist often reminisced about his time in Iran & the holidays he took to Italy & the Holy Land. Even if you had not visited the place, a detailed description from Evarist was more than enough to feel as if you had. That is how visual his narrations were.

Covid put the brakes on him, and he was restricted to short walks to and from the bazaar, but he took it in good spirit and made the most of the ongoing situation.

He was one of God’s chosen few, and I am sure he’s enjoying the fruits that he so richly deserves.

Godspeed Evarist. You will be missed.

Where has he gone?

Is his work done?

Life lived on his own terms Refusing to allow germs To rule and guide the light inside Which continues to burn bright So we don’t give up the fight!

Driven by his thirst for knowledge The desire to learn more Not to settle for the bore Let this be a lesson to all That no matter who you are And where you are from You will not be forgotten From now till beyond A Tribute from Shauna, Chantele & Wilma Pereira

since 1985

UNITED COLD STORAGE Customer satisfaction is our motto

Dressed Broiler

Chicken Breast Boneless

Chicken Legs

Come by and get your fresh or frozen chicken at United Cold Storage!

Farm Fresh Halal Chicken | High Quality | Hygienically Packaged Turkeys and Ducks also available.

For Free Home Delivery call +91-9892401772 / 9987453666 Adil Villa, Shop No. 4, Veronica Road, Bandra West, Mumbai 400050

PHAT Sweet Treats offers an assortment of Customised Cakes, Cupcakes, Twix Bar Pie and Seasonal Ice-Creams Call / WhatsApp: +91-9820091631 Facebook: PHAT Sweet Treats | Instagram: phat_sweet_treats